The European Union is preparing the 17th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its aggressive actions towards Ukraine. The authorities in Kyiv hope that the new restrictions will impact key sectors of the Russian economy, becoming an important tool for pressuring Moscow to achieve peace.
This is reported by Finway
US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that if Russia refuses to achieve a “dignified and fair” peace that aligns with Ukraine’s interests, senators are ready to support a bipartisan bill to strengthen sanctions. The new restrictions include the introduction of secondary tariffs for countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other goods.
US President Donald Trump also criticized Russia’s recent strikes on civilian cities in Ukraine and expressed doubt that President Putin intends to end the war. Trump threatened Moscow with new “banking or secondary” sanctions. However, the US has postponed sanctions against Gazprom’s subsidiary in Serbia – the oil company “Naftna industrija Srbije” (NIS) for the third time.
At the same time, Moscow likely does not believe in the strengthening of sanctions, as Russian oil companies have ramped up drilling at a pace not seen in at least the last five years, preparing for a possible easing of restrictions. The average volume of operational drilling in Russia in January-February exceeded 2,370 km.